Parking deck demo on hold for Rockford City Market

ROCKFORD — Plans to raze the two-story parking deck that also serves as Rockford City Market’s stomping grounds are on hold through the market season.

City engineers had initially hoped to demolish the 104-space deck and replace it with a surface lot before City Market kicks off its season May 30. But aldermen temporarily stopped those plans because, they said, the city hadn’t fully vetted the impact on those who use the lot.

This summer, market patrons will have a chance to review designs for a new lot before the city decides whether to push forward with the plan, City Market Coordinator Cathy McDermott said.

The deck could be razed after City Market closes its outdoor season Oct. 17. The city hired Larson & Darby Group to design the lot, which would feature elements meant to enhance the growing city market, such as additional lighting and other electrical upgrades that would provide vendors with more outlets.

“We are maxed out as far as electric,” McDermott said. “Some (vendors) have generators ... but generators can be really loud, so we do not necessarily want a lot of generators going on in the middle of the market.”

City officials say the surface lot should be more than enough to accommodate the 29 spaces currently leased. City officials said the existing deck would eventually need structural repairs that could cost around $750,000. They see a surface lot as less expensive over the long term and more conducive to the growing City Market.

The market had 75,463 visitors last year, a 32 percent increase over 2012.

“With the evolution of the City Market and how great they’re doing, we want to make sure whatever we do will benefit the market and their customers,” said Ald. Tom McNamara, who represents the 3rd Ward, including the parking deck.

But McNamara said the city also must make sure a surface lot can provide adequate parking for the east side of downtown and for tenants in the Waterside Center.

“My first concern is that they’re taken care of. They were there long before the City Market,” McNamara said. “We’re going to make sure they have a voice in this process and that the parking arrangement is good for them and their customers, which is incredibly critical.”

The market has 60 vendors approved to start May 30, six more than it had to start last season. Some of the new businesses include Alt. Bake Bookworm & Catering, which specializes in vegan and gluten-free foods, Joey C’s Cuchina & Cocktails and Q7 Ranch, which sells grass-fed meats.

The market will operate from 3-8 p.m. Fridays starting May 30. The season closes Oct. 17. The hours are 3-7 p.m. after Labor Day.